Annapolis boat show impressions

[colehankins]

I was at the show on Monday and overheard a salesman giving the business to some perspective buyers on the 42. He said there is plenty of room in New Bern and he could get them in at the Sheraton. Well I piped up and said my boat is at the Sheraton. They have a waiting list, and they are raising the rates 100 %. I felt daggers from the salesass but then I thought how I wish someone could give me an unbiased view at those moments. I saw the sales ass was from AYS and I keep hearing bad stuff about them. I guess plausible denailability is the norm and you should have known.

[BrianInIraq]

Originally Posted by colehankins

I saw the sales ass was from AYS and I keep hearing bad stuff about them. I guess plausible denailability is the norm and you should have known.

Are you sure you mean AYS (Annapolis Yacht Sales)? AYS sells Beneteau and Sabre - the Annapolis Catalina (and Bavaria) dealer is "Sail Annapolis."

I'm currently in the process of purchasing a new Bene from AYS and have nothing but great things to say about them so far!

[Jeff_H]

I have had quite a few dealings with Annapolis Yacht Sales, none of which were anything less than exemplary, including a case where they went out of their way to help support an older Beneteau that was bought at another broker and which was only cruing through town. As Brian notes, I suspect you have the wrong bunch sonce Annapolis Yacht sales has nothing to do with Catalinas. At least here in Annapolis I have not heard bad things about AYS, which is not the case with some of the other brokers.

Jeff

[petranek]

Did anyone catch the new Passport 515 or the Passport 470 that's headed for cold lattitudes? Both are extraordinary. Also, the Najad 440 was impressive, though the center cockpit version is far, far roomier.

[sasemr]

Thanks for your review of the show. I am still lamenting not having attended it. What is the problem with the Tartans? Can you expand on this?
thanks

Santiago

[camaraderie]

Santiago...look in the buying a boat sub forum for details

[Deantbrown]

My friends and I were at Annapolis as well on Sunday. What a great day to be there. Smaller crowds is the best part of a Sunday. We were all over the Catalina booth boats. Sure you put on a silly sticker and then just walk on any boat you like. My friend is seriously looking at the 32 and/or 35 but never had to interact with a salesman. That sticker is a small think to let them know where they get visitors from. We went back later, told them we already had a sticker but lost it and they gave us another one to wear. No big deal. Somebody missed seeing some very nice production boats. There were no hassels.

[jmcgee]

We hit the boat show every year for a three day weekend and have been able to save a ton on jackets, accessories and odds and ends for the boat. But you have to know what are good prices and what are not so good prices.

I wanted to pick up some line to run a new jib sheet, but the prices at the show for non-racing line were actually higher than what I could get online. We did pick up Sperrys for about half the regular price, got a new GPS, a great deal on foulies and picked up a Henri Lloyd jacket for $19.

Both Catalina and Hunter do the sticker thing when you enter their booths. There are so many people at the show that the salesman don't bother you unless you let them know that you have questions. According to salesman I've talked to in the past, the bulk of their sales come during the shows or from people who originally looked at a boat at the show.

I have a 22 Catalina now that I use as a daysailer and have found the Catalina folks to be very good at taking care of their customers, including the owners party they throw at each boat show.

Whether Catalina is the right boat for you, or if you're better off in a Gozzard, Cabo Rico or Hylas is a discussion best had between you and your checkbook. If money is no object there's always Hinckley...